{"id":7173,"date":"2013-07-15T10:19:06","date_gmt":"2013-07-15T10:19:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/praag.org\/?p=7173"},"modified":"2013-07-15T10:22:14","modified_gmt":"2013-07-15T10:22:14","slug":"robert-mugabe-plotted-jacob-zuma-assassination-document-claims","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/praag.org\/?p=7173","title":{"rendered":"Robert Mugabe plotted Jacob Zuma assassination, document claims"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Friends?\"<\/a>
Friends?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Zimbabwe\u2019s political rivals have clashed over an apparently secret document said to be from intelligence sources that alleges an outlandish plot by President Robert Mugabe to hire a Lebanese murder squad to assassinate his South African counterpart, Jacob Zuma, and a top diplomat.<\/p>\n

The typed two-page report \u2013 persuasively detailed but at times written in excitable language strewn with grammatical and spelling errors \u2013 has been dismissed by Mugabe\u2019s Zanu-PF party as \u201chogwash\u201d and a \u201ctypical setup\u201d. The rival Movement for Democratic Change said the assassination threats should be taken seriously.<\/p>\n

Roy Bennett, the MDC treasurer-general, in exile, was more certain. \u201cWe know the report to be credible; it comes from reliable and trustworthy sources within the heart of the CIO [Central Intelligence Organisation],\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a stark reminder of the full horrific extent that Robert Mugabe is prepared to go in order to hang on to power and avenge his critics.\u201d<\/p>\n

The MDC and civil society groups in Zimbabwe have applauded Zuma for taking a tougher stand against Mugabe than the previous South African president, Thabo Mbeki.<\/p>\n

They come amid souring relations between neighbours Zimbabwe and South Africa. Last week Mugabe branded Zuma\u2019s chief mediator, Lindiwe Zulu, \u201csome stupid, idiotic woman\u201d and a \u201clittle street woman\u201d after her failed attempt to force a postponement of elections.<\/p>\n

The purportedly leaked document, dated 2 July and of unknown authorship, contains a paragraph headed: \u201cLebonese assasins\u201d (sic). It states: \u201cOn Monday this week Mugabe hired six Lebanese nationals to try and assassinate Lindiwe Zulu, who is Zuma\u2019s advisor. The six met clandestinely with Mugabe yesterday to be briefed by him on the details of their mission \u2026 The six were told they must not concentrate on Zulu only, but should also pay attention to Zuma himself, and if they get a chance to do so they must assassinate him as well \u2013 but everything must appear as an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

It adds: \u201cMugabe promised the six Lebonese [sic] an undisclosed fortune in cash if they succeed in getting rid of the two who [sic] South Africa senior officials who are giving him a lot of trouble. Names of the six could not be established, but they entered into the country via Zambia in the last few days, where they had previously held a close meeting with [president] Michael Sata before travelling into Zimbabwe.\u201d<\/p>\n

The document also claims that Mugabe summoned and castigated security officers over a leak to the MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, regarding the involvement of an Israeli company in managing the country\u2019s electoral role. Mugabe ordered that \u201cthe culprits who leaked the information are made to suffer and die a painful death\u201d, it says. Tsvangirai has spoken publicly about his concern over the role of the Israeli company Nikuv.<\/p>\n

The secretive Israel-based firm \u2013 accused of manipulating past elections in the region \u2013 is alleged to be involved in managing Zimbabwe\u2019s voters\u2019 roll.<\/p>\n

Eddie Cross, a MDC MP told the Mail & Guardian that he had been informed by security sources that the company, Nikuv International Projects, is working on the roll at Defence House, the headquarters of the Zimbabwe Defence Force. The MDC also alleged that Nikuv was a front for the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, although it offered no evidence to support the claim.<\/p>\n

Cross said the source told him that the company is working under the direction of Daniel Tonde Nhepera, the deputy head of the Zimbabwe\u2019s dreaded internal security arm, the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).<\/p>\n

Another Zimbabwean intelligence source confirmed to the M&G the allegation that Nikuv is working on the voters\u2019 roll \u201cwith the CIO\u201d.<\/p>\n

The Guardian has seen a copy of the two-page document but has not been able to verify it as being genuine. The possibility that it is a hoax designed to embarrass the opposition cannot be ruled out.<\/p>\n

Rugare Gumbo, spokesman for Zanu-PF, insisted: \u201cTo be frank with you, it\u2019s all rubbish and hogwash to think a head of state like president Mugabe would set up something like that. We have a disagreement with Lindiwe Zulu but it would not go to that extent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Asked about the alleged threat to Zuma, he replied: \u201cYou should not take it seriously. It\u2019s a typical setup in Zimbabwe to try and cause some confusion before the election because we are going ahead with our election according to our laws whether they like it or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

But this is not the first time allegations have surfaced of Zimbabwean government agents carrying out clandestine operations in South Africa. Nor are rumours of assassinations so unusual: South Africa\u2019s Mail & Guardian newspaper recently compiled a list of nine Zimbabwean politicians who have died in mysterious car crashes, including the one last month involving Edward Chindori-Chininga, the outspoken chairperson of a parliamentary committee that had just released a highly critical report on the diamond industry.<\/p>\n

Fierce factional infighting within Zanu-PF and the security sector has resulted in a number of damaging intelligence leaks, notably on the Facebook page of a mole known as Baba Jukwa.<\/p>\n

Douglas Mwonzora, the MDC\u2019s spokesperson, said of the document: \u201cWe have had sight of the intelligence information but we are unable to confirm its authenticity. For the MDC, the international community must take these assassination allegations seriously.\u201d \u2013 The Guardian<\/p>\n

\n

Roy Bennett, the MDC treasurer-general, in exile, was more certain. \u201cWe know the report to be credible; it comes from reliable and trustworthy sources within the heart of the CIO [Central Intelligence Organisation],\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a stark reminder of the full horrific extent that Robert Mugabe is prepared to go in order to hang on to power and avenge his critics.\u201d<\/p>\n

The MDC and civil society groups in Zimbabwe have applauded Zuma for taking a tougher stand against Mugabe than the previous South African president, Thabo Mbeki.<\/p>\n

They come amid souring relations between neighbours Zimbabwe and South Africa. Last week Mugabe branded Zuma\u2019s chief mediator, Lindiwe Zulu, \u201csome stupid, idiotic woman\u201d and a \u201clittle street woman\u201d after her failed attempt to force a postponement of elections.<\/p>\n

The purportedly leaked document, dated 2 July and of unknown authorship, contains a paragraph headed: \u201cLebonese assasins\u201d (sic). It states: \u201cOn Monday this week Mugabe hired six Lebanese nationals to try and assassinate Lindiwe Zulu, who is Zuma\u2019s advisor. The six met clandestinely with Mugabe yesterday to be briefed by him on the details of their mission \u2026 The six were told they must not concentrate on Zulu only, but should also pay attention to Zuma himself, and if they get a chance to do so they must assassinate him as well \u2013 but everything must appear as an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

It adds: \u201cMugabe promised the six Lebonese [sic] an undisclosed fortune in cash if they succeed in getting rid of the two who [sic] South Africa senior officials who are giving him a lot of trouble. Names of the six could not be established, but they entered into the country via Zambia in the last few days, where they had previously held a close meeting with [president] Michael Sata before travelling into Zimbabwe.\u201d<\/p>\n

The document also claims that Mugabe summoned and castigated security officers over a leak to the MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, regarding the involvement of an Israeli company in managing the country\u2019s electoral role. Mugabe ordered that \u201cthe culprits who leaked the information are made to suffer and die a painful death\u201d, it says. Tsvangirai has spoken publicly about his concern over the role of the Israeli company Nikuv.<\/p>\n

\n

The secretive Israel-based firm \u2013 accused of manipulating past elections in the region \u2013 is alleged to be involved in managing Zimbabwe\u2019s voters\u2019 roll.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

Eddie Cross, a MDC MP told the Mail & Guardian<\/em> that he had been informed by security sources that the company, Nikuv International Projects, is working on the roll at Defence House, the headquarters of the Zimbabwe Defence Force. The MDC also alleged that Nikuv was a front for the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, although it offered no evidence to support the claim.<\/p>\n

\n

Cross said the source told him that the company is working under the direction of Daniel Tonde Nhepera, the deputy head of the Zimbabwe\u2019s dreaded internal security arm, the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).<\/p>\n

\n

Another Zimbabwean intelligence source confirmed to the M&G <\/em>the allegation that Nikuv is working on the voters\u2019 roll \u201cwith the CIO\u201d.<\/p>\n

The Guardian has seen a copy of the two-page document but has not been able to verify it as being genuine. The possibility that it is a hoax designed to embarrass the opposition cannot be ruled out.<\/p>\n

Rugare Gumbo, spokesman for Zanu-PF, insisted: \u201cTo be frank with you, it\u2019s all rubbish and hogwash to think a head of state like president Mugabe would set up something like that. We have a disagreement with Lindiwe Zulu but it would not go to that extent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Asked about the alleged threat to Zuma, he replied: \u201cYou should not take it seriously. It\u2019s a typical setup in Zimbabwe to try and cause some confusion before the election because we are going ahead with our election according to our laws whether they like it or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

But this is not the first time allegations have surfaced of Zimbabwean government agents carrying out clandestine operations in South Africa. Nor are rumours of assassinations so unusual: South Africa\u2019s Mail & Guardian newspaper recently compiled a list of nine Zimbabwean politicians who have died in mysterious car crashes, including the one last month involving Edward Chindori-Chininga, the outspoken chairperson of a parliamentary committee that had just released a highly critical report on the diamond industry.<\/p>\n

Fierce factional infighting within Zanu-PF and the security sector has resulted in a number of damaging intelligence leaks, notably on the Facebook page of a mole known as Baba Jukwa.<\/p>\n

Douglas Mwonzora, the MDC\u2019s spokesperson, said of the document: \u201cWe have had sight of the intelligence information but we are unable to confirm its authenticity. For the MDC, the international community must take these assassination allegations seriously.\u201d \u2013 The Guardian<\/p>\n

– See more at: http:\/\/praag.org\/?p=7173#sthash.Q4ousLtS.dpuf<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Roy Bennett, the MDC treasurer-general, in exile, was more certain. \u201cWe know the report to be credible; it comes from reliable and trustworthy sources within the heart of the CIO [Central Intelligence Organisation],\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a stark reminder of the full horrific extent that Robert Mugabe is prepared to go in order to hang on to power and avenge his critics.\u201d<\/p>\n

The MDC and civil society groups in Zimbabwe have applauded Zuma for taking a tougher stand against Mugabe than the previous South African president, Thabo Mbeki.<\/p>\n

They come amid souring relations between neighbours Zimbabwe and South Africa. Last week Mugabe branded Zuma\u2019s chief mediator, Lindiwe Zulu, \u201csome stupid, idiotic woman\u201d and a \u201clittle street woman\u201d after her failed attempt to force a postponement of elections.<\/p>\n

The purportedly leaked document, dated 2 July and of unknown authorship, contains a paragraph headed: \u201cLebonese assasins\u201d (sic). It states: \u201cOn Monday this week Mugabe hired six Lebanese nationals to try and assassinate Lindiwe Zulu, who is Zuma\u2019s advisor. The six met clandestinely with Mugabe yesterday to be briefed by him on the details of their mission \u2026 The six were told they must not concentrate on Zulu only, but should also pay attention to Zuma himself, and if they get a chance to do so they must assassinate him as well \u2013 but everything must appear as an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

It adds: \u201cMugabe promised the six Lebonese [sic] an undisclosed fortune in cash if they succeed in getting rid of the two who [sic] South Africa senior officials who are giving him a lot of trouble. Names of the six could not be established, but they entered into the country via Zambia in the last few days, where they had previously held a close meeting with [president] Michael Sata before travelling into Zimbabwe.\u201d<\/p>\n

The document also claims that Mugabe summoned and castigated security officers over a leak to the MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, regarding the involvement of an Israeli company in managing the country\u2019s electoral role. Mugabe ordered that \u201cthe culprits who leaked the information are made to suffer and die a painful death\u201d, it says. Tsvangirai has spoken publicly about his concern over the role of the Israeli company Nikuv.<\/p>\n

\n

The secretive Israel-based firm \u2013 accused of manipulating past elections in the region \u2013 is alleged to be involved in managing Zimbabwe\u2019s voters\u2019 roll.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

Eddie Cross, a MDC MP told the Mail & Guardian<\/em> that he had been informed by security sources that the company, Nikuv International Projects, is working on the roll at Defence House, the headquarters of the Zimbabwe Defence Force. The MDC also alleged that Nikuv was a front for the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, although it offered no evidence to support the claim.<\/p>\n

\n

Cross said the source told him that the company is working under the direction of Daniel Tonde Nhepera, the deputy head of the Zimbabwe\u2019s dreaded internal security arm, the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).<\/p>\n

\n

Another Zimbabwean intelligence source confirmed to the M&G <\/em>the allegation that Nikuv is working on the voters\u2019 roll \u201cwith the CIO\u201d.<\/p>\n

The Guardian has seen a copy of the two-page document but has not been able to verify it as being genuine. The possibility that it is a hoax designed to embarrass the opposition cannot be ruled out.<\/p>\n

Rugare Gumbo, spokesman for Zanu-PF, insisted: \u201cTo be frank with you, it\u2019s all rubbish and hogwash to think a head of state like president Mugabe would set up something like that. We have a disagreement with Lindiwe Zulu but it would not go to that extent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Asked about the alleged threat to Zuma, he replied: \u201cYou should not take it seriously. It\u2019s a typical setup in Zimbabwe to try and cause some confusion before the election because we are going ahead with our election according to our laws whether they like it or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

But this is not the first time allegations have surfaced of Zimbabwean government agents carrying out clandestine operations in South Africa. Nor are rumours of assassinations so unusual: South Africa\u2019s Mail & Guardian newspaper recently compiled a list of nine Zimbabwean politicians who have died in mysterious car crashes, including the one last month involving Edward Chindori-Chininga, the outspoken chairperson of a parliamentary committee that had just released a highly critical report on the diamond industry.<\/p>\n

Fierce factional infighting within Zanu-PF and the security sector has resulted in a number of damaging intelligence leaks, notably on the Facebook page of a mole known as Baba Jukwa.<\/p>\n

Douglas Mwonzora, the MDC\u2019s spokesperson, said of the document: \u201cWe have had sight of the intelligence information but we are unable to confirm its authenticity. For the MDC, the international community must take these assassination allegations seriously.\u201d \u2013 The Guardian<\/p>\n

– See more at: http:\/\/praag.org\/?p=7173#sthash.Q4ousLtS.dpuf<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Roy Bennett, the MDC treasurer-general, in exile, was more certain. \u201cWe know the report to be credible; it comes from reliable and trustworthy sources within the heart of the CIO [Central Intelligence Organisation],\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a stark reminder of the full horrific extent that Robert Mugabe is prepared to go in order to hang on to power and avenge his critics.\u201d<\/p>\n

The MDC and civil society groups in Zimbabwe have applauded Zuma for taking a tougher stand against Mugabe than the previous South African president, Thabo Mbeki.<\/p>\n

They come amid souring relations between neighbours Zimbabwe and South Africa. Last week Mugabe branded Zuma\u2019s chief mediator, Lindiwe Zulu, \u201csome stupid, idiotic woman\u201d and a \u201clittle street woman\u201d after her failed attempt to force a postponement of elections.<\/p>\n

The purportedly leaked document, dated 2 July and of unknown authorship, contains a paragraph headed: \u201cLebonese assasins\u201d (sic). It states: \u201cOn Monday this week Mugabe hired six Lebanese nationals to try and assassinate Lindiwe Zulu, who is Zuma\u2019s advisor. The six met clandestinely with Mugabe yesterday to be briefed by him on the details of their mission \u2026 The six were told they must not concentrate on Zulu only, but should also pay attention to Zuma himself, and if they get a chance to do so they must assassinate him as well \u2013 but everything must appear as an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

It adds: \u201cMugabe promised the six Lebonese [sic] an undisclosed fortune in cash if they succeed in getting rid of the two who [sic] South Africa senior officials who are giving him a lot of trouble. Names of the six could not be established, but they entered into the country via Zambia in the last few days, where they had previously held a close meeting with [president] Michael Sata before travelling into Zimbabwe.\u201d<\/p>\n

The document also claims that Mugabe summoned and castigated security officers over a leak to the MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, regarding the involvement of an Israeli company in managing the country\u2019s electoral role. Mugabe ordered that \u201cthe culprits who leaked the information are made to suffer and die a painful death\u201d, it says. Tsvangirai has spoken publicly about his concern over the role of the Israeli company Nikuv.<\/p>\n

\n

The secretive Israel-based firm \u2013 accused of manipulating past elections in the region \u2013 is alleged to be involved in managing Zimbabwe\u2019s voters\u2019 roll.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

Eddie Cross, a MDC MP told the Mail & Guardian<\/em> that he had been informed by security sources that the company, Nikuv International Projects, is working on the roll at Defence House, the headquarters of the Zimbabwe Defence Force. The MDC also alleged that Nikuv was a front for the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, although it offered no evidence to support the claim.<\/p>\n

\n

Cross said the source told him that the company is working under the direction of Daniel Tonde Nhepera, the deputy head of the Zimbabwe\u2019s dreaded internal security arm, the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).<\/p>\n

\n

Another Zimbabwean intelligence source confirmed to the M&G <\/em>the allegation that Nikuv is working on the voters\u2019 roll \u201cwith the CIO\u201d.<\/p>\n

The Guardian has seen a copy of the two-page document but has not been able to verify it as being genuine. The possibility that it is a hoax designed to embarrass the opposition cannot be ruled out.<\/p>\n

Rugare Gumbo, spokesman for Zanu-PF, insisted: \u201cTo be frank with you, it\u2019s all rubbish and hogwash to think a head of state like president Mugabe would set up something like that. We have a disagreement with Lindiwe Zulu but it would not go to that extent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Asked about the alleged threat to Zuma, he replied: \u201cYou should not take it seriously. It\u2019s a typical setup in Zimbabwe to try and cause some confusion before the election because we are going ahead with our election according to our laws whether they like it or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

But this is not the first time allegations have surfaced of Zimbabwean government agents carrying out clandestine operations in South Africa. Nor are rumours of assassinations so unusual: South Africa\u2019s Mail & Guardian newspaper recently compiled a list of nine Zimbabwean politicians who have died in mysterious car crashes, including the one last month involving Edward Chindori-Chininga, the outspoken chairperson of a parliamentary committee that had just released a highly critical report on the diamond industry.<\/p>\n

Fierce factional infighting within Zanu-PF and the security sector has resulted in a number of damaging intelligence leaks, notably on the Facebook page of a mole known as Baba Jukwa.<\/p>\n

Douglas Mwonzora, the MDC\u2019s spokesperson, said of the document: \u201cWe have had sight of the intelligence information but we are unable to confirm its authenticity. For the MDC, the international community must take these assassination allegations seriously.\u201d \u2013 The Guardian<\/p>\n

– See more at: http:\/\/praag.org\/?p=7173#sthash.Q4ousLtS.dpuf<\/p><\/div>\n

\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Zimbabwe\u2019s political rivals have clashed over an apparently secret document said to be from intelligence sources that alleges an outlandish plot by President Robert Mugabe to hire a Lebanese murder squad to assassinate his South African counterpart, Jacob Zuma, and a top diplomat. The typed two-page report \u2013 persuasively detailed but at times written in … Continue reading “Robert Mugabe plotted Jacob Zuma assassination, document claims”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7177,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4],"tags":[1018,644,3933,180,345],"class_list":["post-7173","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-south-africa","tag-elections","tag-mugabe","tag-nikuv","tag-zimbabwe","tag-zuma"],"cc_featured_image_caption":{"caption_text":false,"source_text":false,"source_url":false},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/praag.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/zumamugabe.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/praag.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7173","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/praag.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/praag.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/praag.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/praag.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7173"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/praag.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7173\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7179,"href":"https:\/\/praag.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7173\/revisions\/7179"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/praag.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7177"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/praag.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7173"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/praag.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7173"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/praag.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7173"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}